Half Moon Manicure - Tutorial

Many 'moons ago' (see what I did there), back in the 1930/40's, it was quite the fashion for ladies to wear a half-moon manicure. This involves the little white crescent shape (which is called the 'Lunula' Latin for 'little moon' ) being left bare or painted a lighter colour to the rest of the nail.

Moving forward to 2014 the half moon manicure is still a very wearable, vintage style. These are my three simple steps to achieve the look.

Things you'll need...
1. Two nail colours. It's really up to you which two colours you choose to compliment each other.  Pretty pastels for spring or dark sumptuous colours for winter, you can even just leave the 'moons' bare - the possibilities are endless.

2. A clear base and top coat.

3. Nail varnish remover.

4. Cotton wool buds/pads

5. Hole reinforcement stickers (you can buy these in any stationery section of a supermarket)

These are the polishes I'm using...

Before we continue, this mani works best on freshly preened nails.  So spend some time tidying your cuticles and filing your nails as it is important if you want to achieve a great finish.

Also, this may seem a little obvious but not everyone's 'half moons' will look the same, some are brighter, bigger than others, mine for example are pretty small. Just adapt the steps accordingly.

Step One.
Base coat and first colour.

Make sure your nails are totally oil free and use nail varnish remover to ensure you have a clean base.

It's important to use a base coat under every nail polish application, whether it's a light or dark colour, this will help prevent staining (not cute!)

When it's dry, apply a layer of your first colour.  This doesn't need to cover your whole nail since you'll be covering that with your second colour. The second coat is optional, depending on your desired colour combination.

Step Two
The half moon cheat.

Hole reinforcement stickers - originally designed to well, reinforce holes made by a hole-punch.

Rather conveniently, in the pack I bought were 5 stickers per row. Cut them in half so you end up with two half moon shapes. 

Once your nail colour is completely dry, place the stickers on your nail - as I said before the size of everyone's nails are different. Make sure they are stuck down securely as this will ensure clean lines. 

Step Three
Colour and finish

Paint your second colour on and repeat if desired. Wait until a little tacky and slowly peel off the sticker.

 

If you get any problems with the two colours seeping together, take your colour and try and touch it up best you can.

Finally take your clear polish and apply - voila!

Anyone else tried this style?

L x